Defy Desire

Chapter 2 - Maia

I threw down my bag and threw my body down onto the sofa. My first day had went well. I had met a few nice people and felt like I was fitting in okay. Nate had even invited me for a few drinks at Harry's after with a few other nurses. I'd declined the offer, but the thought was nice.

I pulled my phone from my jacket pocket and Facetimed Lola. She had shared a status on Facebook about how fabulous her day had been, so I knew she was home.

'Hi babe!' Her pretty, wide smile appeared on the screen. 'How was your day?'

'Good,' I answered. 'Nothing too amazing but everyone's really nice. You?'

'Amaaaazing!' She threw her head back with a huge grin. 'I loved it. It really surprised me. In fact, I was going to ask you if you wanted to go for a drink or two. I know it's a school night but it's just for one. Or two?'

'No thanks Lo,' I replied. 'I'm tired. I think I'm just going to have an early night for tomorrow.'

'Okay don't be jealous when you see my story later,' she laughed.

'I'll probably be asleep,' I chuckled. 'So, I won't be jealous when I'm watching it at 8am tomorrow in the coffee room without a hangover, knowing you have one.'

'Bitch,' she giggled.

'Have fun being irresponsible!' I called.

'Have fun being boring!' She hung up.

I threw my phone to the sofa and made way for the shower. Reflecting on my day as I stood under the stream of water, I wondered to myself why I suddenly felt like this was going to be a very long three months. Why couldn't I be overly happy and cheery like Lola? Why was her first day so amazing, it was the first day?!

I finally finished in the shower, threw on my pyjamas and climbed into bed. I must have needed it, because I was asleep within minutes of my head hitting the pillow.

The next time I woke up, my eyes blinked several times as I listened in confusion to the birds outside. How was it light already? I could see the sun beaming through my balcony doors. It was certainly morning. My muddled mind tried to register what time it was. Then it hit me. My alarm hadn't gone off. I was late.

My eyes snapped open and I sat up feeling for my phone on my bedside table then I remembered I had left it on the sofa. Jumping out of bed, I bolted across the apartment to my lounge area. It was 7:52am. I started at 8am!

I ran around the apartment like a crazy woman grabbing anything in sight to throw on. I shoved my long, brown hair up into a bun and began throwing all my stuff into my bag. I threw on my jacket, grabbed my keys and bolted from the apartment. Avoiding the lift, I opted for the stairs. There wasn't many, but it surely felt like it. I ran from the building to my car parked on the street, jumped in and sped to the hospital.

I checked the clock in my car as I pulled into the car park. It was 8:20 and I was cursing myself repeatedly for being so stupid. I hated being late. It was unprofessional.

I parked up and ran into the building, into the lift and up to the fifth floor. I felt like kicking myself. Luckily, nobody stopped the lift on any of the floors up to mine.

Running from the lift, I swiped my badge on the department entry, ran down the corridor to the changing room and swiped myself in. I grabbed my scrubs, changed and threw my belongings into my locker. I had no clue how bad I looked. I hadn't even washed my face or brushed my teeth.

I paced quickly up the corridor and stopped at the allocation board to find Rachel's name. Theatre 25. I paced even quicker up the corridor, knowing 25 was right near the other end. Typical. I pictured everyone turning around and staring at me as I walked in. I also knew there'd be no patient in there yet so I'd most likely be nagged at for being late. The first procedure never started until 9am, but the team would be grouped in there doing the briefing for the list.